WEST LOOP — Using the tragedy to speak out against domestic violence, a West Loop dental office has reopened following a shooting incident last week.
On Thursday, a man carrying a shotgun entered Skyline Smiles, 1017 W. Madison St., looking for his ex-girlfriend before killing himself outside the office. Three brave movers saved the woman's life by helping her hide in their truck while her armed ex looked for her.
The man was identified by the Cook County Medical Examiner's Office as Clint Engle, 40, of southwest suburban Plainfield. Engle had a history of domestic violence, and previously served 12 years in prison for beating the father of a woman he was dating with a golf club.
The West Loop dental office reopened Saturday after staff took time off to recover from events related to the shooting, practice owners wrote on Facebook.
In a Facebook post, the dentists acknowledged that Engle came to the office with the intent to harm one of the office's employees.
"Our team member knew this individual and fearing possible violence, left our office and was protected from harm by three bystanders," the post reads — Josh Lara, Cody Grant and Mike Zaininger.
The incident brought to life "the dangers of domestic violence."
"Violence is never the answer and we, as a community, must do all we can to protect those who fear for their safety and encourage seeking out medical attention for those who may be mentally ill," the post reads. "If you or one of your loved ones is a victim of domestic violence, seek immediate help."
Last week, Skyline Smiles dentist Dr. Deepak Neduvelil said his staff was trying to focus on healing.
"It was a truly traumatic thing that happened. ... We are really just trying to cope, and are so thankful that we are safe," he said.
In the online post, Skyline Smiles thanked the Chicago Police for their prompt response, and the "heroes" who emerged during the difficult event — Lara, Grant, Zaininger, the office's own Dr. Kevin Ng, who escorted a patient to safety, and an unnamed woman who stayed with a staff member, comforting her until police arrived at the scene.
"Through this experience, our staff has been brought closer together, not just as a work family but as a real family," the post reads.
Skyline Smiles opened in 2013.
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